Arrascaeta? Messi? The King of America will be decided this Wednesday.
On this last day of the year, the winner of the 2025 King of America award will be announced. Among the finalists are Giorgian de Arrascaeta ( Flamengo ), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), and Maravilla Martínez (Racing). This will be the 40th edition of the traditional award from the Uruguayan newspaper El País. In addition to the King, the best coach, the Queen, and the 11 best players in the continent will also be revealed. The voting was conducted by 250 journalists who had until the 29th to decide the winners.
Who will be the King of America?
Arrascaeta emerges as the favorite for the award. The Uruguayan has lifted six trophies with Flamengo this year, including the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores, in addition to already being elected the best player in the continental competition – a different award from the one at stake this Wednesday . He also scored 25 goals and provided 20 assists in 64 matches.
Superstar Lionel Messi had another great year. He won two titles with Inter Miami, scored 43 goals and provided 25 assists in 49 games. Adrián Martinez, “Maravilla Martínez,” won a title with Racing, in addition to scoring 22 goals and providing three assists in 45 games. The data is from Sofascore
Best coach, Queen, and the ideal team.
Among the coaches in contention are: Filipe Luís (Flamengo), Gustavo Costas (Racing), and Gustavo Alfaro (Paraguayan national team). The “Queen of America” award is contested between Brazilians Gabi Zanotti (Corinthians), Marta (Orlando Pride), and Paraguayan Claudia Martínez (Olimpia). The final eleven will be those who receive the most votes from the 250 journalists.
Origin of the King of America award 🌎
Created in the 1970s by the Venezuelan newspaper “El Mundo,” the award initially recognized South American players who played for any club in the world. In 1986, when “El País” took over the organization, the format was revamped: since then, only athletes and coaches active on the continent can compete.
Latest winners of King of America 📃
2024 – Luiz Henrique – Botafogo (BRA)
2023 – Germán Cano – Fluminense (BRA)
2022 – Pedro – Flamengo (BRA)
2021 – Julián Álvarez – River Plate (ARG)
2020 – Marinho – Santos (BRA)
2019 – Gabriel Barbosa – Flamengo (BRA)
2018 – Pity Martínez – River Plate (ARG)
2017 – Luan – Grêmio (BRA)
2016 – Miguel Borja – Atlético Nacional (COL)
2015 – Carlos Sánchez – River Plate (ARG)
2014 – Teófilo Gutiérrez – River Plate (ARG)
2013 – Ronaldinho – Atlético-MG (BRA)
2012 – Neymar – Santos (BRA)
2011 – Neymar – Santos (BRA)